Big names left behind as Makfi takes first Classic home to France

Aidan O'Brien fielded red-hot favourite St Nicholas Abbey, Godolphin were armed with a two-strong challenge and John Dunlop sent out Elusive Pimpernel to complete his Classic set – but all were eclipsed by the French raider.

Few ride the Rowley Mile as well as Christophe Lemaire and he tracked Johnny Murtagh on even-money market leader St Nicholas Abbey until the heavyweight punches were thrown.

As the Racing Post Trophy winner started to show signs of distress, Lemaire made his move and his mount shot through between runners heading out of the dip to take issue entering the final furlong.

He had little trouble taking the baton from Dick Turpin inside the distance to stretch a length and a quarter clear, with the former's stablemate Canford Cliffs a half-length adrift in third. St Nicholas Abbey ended up a one-paced sixth.

The win was a first Classic for 39-year-old Delzangles, who started training in 2001 and captured the 2005 King's Stand Stakes at York with Chineur.

Today sees the distaff side of the species start their Classic season with the StanJames.com 1,000 Guineas at Newmarket.

French trainer Criquette Head-Maarek runs winter favourite Special Duty, but has openly admitted her doubts that the filly will stay the Rowley Mile, which leaves the door open for home-trained pair Seta, the mount of Kieren Fallon, and Music Show. The latter filly is trained by Mick Channon who has been raving about her, so the nap will go on her.

Hamilton Park hosts its first meeting of the season today with the Cancer Research UK Family Day, featuring some cracking races.

The totepool Handicap over a mile at 3.05pm will see a tussle between several 'in form' trainers to land the 10,000 spoils. Richard Fahey's horse William Morgan will improve for his fourth place in his seasonal debut at Ripon and is a confident tip.